Israel Declares Nationwide State of Emergency

Israel declared a nationwide “special home front situation”, a form of state of emergency, following the launch of a large joint military campaign with the United States against Iran known as Operation Roaring Lion, while the United States referred to its participation as Operation Epic Fury. The declaration was issued by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz under the Civil Defense Law (1951) after authorities warned of a high probability of retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli civilian areas. The military operation began the same day when Israeli and U.S. forces carried out coordinated airstrikes against multiple targets inside Iran, including military infrastructure and strategic facilities. Israeli officials stated that the campaign involved large numbers of aircraft and precision munitions, marking one of the largest Israeli air operations in its history. Iranian authorities and international media reported explosions in Tehran and other areas shortly after the strikes began. The conflict triggered immediate regional tension and prompted warnings that Iran would respond with missile and drone attacks directed at Israel and U.S. interests across the Middle East. In response to the anticipated retaliation, Israel’s Home Front Command shifted the country’s status from “full activity” to “essential activity.” The emergency order introduced wide-ranging restrictions affecting daily life throughout the country. All schools and educational institutions were closed nationwide, and public gatherings including sporting events and cultural activities were suspended. Only workplaces considered essential services were allowed to remain open, while many businesses temporarily halted operations. Transportation and infrastructure were also affected. Ben Gurion International Airport suspended civilian flights, Israeli airspace was restricted, and some maritime operations were halted. Authorities instructed residents to remain close to protected areas such as reinforced rooms and public rocket shelters due to the risk of missile or drone strikes. At the same time, tens of thousands of Israel Defense Forces reservists were mobilized and some hospitals began relocating sensitive operations to underground facilities to prepare for potential attacks. The emergency declaration was later extended by the Israeli government and approved by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, reflecting the expectation that the confrontation with Iran could continue beyond the initial strikes. The situation developed into a broader regional conflict as Iran launched retaliatory missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and U.S. military bases in the region.